Job Description

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant.

LSF is looking for a talented Employment Specialist III who wants to make an impact in the lives of children and families.

Purpose & Impact:

This position is responsible for assisting and ensuring effective resettlement, social integration, and self-sufficiency by delivering comprehensive employment services to APA participants.

Essential Functions:

• Review and complete intake forms with demographic information.
• Complete initial assessment to develop a service plan.
• Develop an employability plan and a self-sufficiency plan in conjunction with participants.
• Update service plan regularly to document changes.
• Provide referrals for support services as needed.
• Complete a household budget to determine necessary wages for self-sufficiency achievement.
• Assist program participants in job search and the submission of applications.
• Place participants in jobs appropriate to their needs, circumstances, and skills.
• Follow up with program participants and employers to ensure retention, address any issues, and explore job upgrade opportunities.
• Update case files at least once a month to show progress and implementation of the employability plan.
• Provide training to program staff as necessary.
• Maintain case documentation of all services provided and submit written reports as required.
• Ensure that participants comply with rules and regulations of the program and that compliance is documented. i.e. community services, timesheets, pay stubs, determine and impose sanctions, lifting pre-sanctions and sanctions, preparation of vouchers for support or transitional services, and ultimately case closure, etc.
• Responsible for attending LIRS, LSF, and ORR trainings and meetings, seminars, etc.
• Makes program presentations to employers and other organizations as necessary.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Other Functions:

• Provides indirect supervision of ESI and PA.
• Assist Manager in enforcement and attainment of program goals.
• Assist with Employment Preparation Sessions as needed.
• Share job leads with other Employment Specialists.
• Must possess a clean/valid Florida Driver License, reliable transportation and proof of insurance (transcript of driving record will be requested from the Department of Motor Vehicle at the time of hire).

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to lift at least 45 pounds. Reasonable accommodation may be made for otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. Regular sitting, working at computer keyboard and desk. Occasional bending, stooping and lifting. Must be able to drive to different locations.

Education:

High School/GED Diploma

Experience:

3 years of paid or unpaid experience working as Employment Specialist I or in a related field with refugee immigrant population.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of refugee cultures, backgrounds, languages and resources helpful.
• Computer skills to produce and interpret graphs, charts, spreadsheets and other mathematical reports.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; make recommendations and develop implementation strategies.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to interpret agency, federal and state laws pertaining to the program.
• Ability to speak before groups of individuals and to lead employees and volunteers.
• Ability to plan and direct activities to write goals and objectives.
• Ability to utilize agency resources and technology to appropriately answer questions and provides guidance to staff and parents.
• Ability to train and provide presentations to large and small groups.
• Ability to collaborate with and have working knowledge of local community resources.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Sustained concentration and attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to prioritize and manage workload and deadlines.
• Must be able to work a flexible work schedule.
• Bilingual a plus.

Other:

Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population\xe2\x80\x99s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Reports to Manager
• Must be a team player with monitors as well as other clerical staff.
• Accurate, complete and timely submission of required reports and documentation to DCF & LSF.
• Effective working relationship with clients (providers).
• Adherence to LSF policies and procedures.

Why work for LSF?

LSF offers 60 programs across the state of Florida serving a wide range of populations in need. Mission Driven staff members become part of the LSF community while transforming the lives of those in need. Our staff additionally find growth opportunities as they explore areas of interest within the organization.

Amazing benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Teladoc (24/7 online access to doctors)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employer paid life insurance (1X salary)
• 13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday
• Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days a year)
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement

Lutheran Services Florida embraces diversity, equity and inclusion in all business practices. LSF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Lutheran Services Florida